Sher e Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur is getting a major upgrade as Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal confirmed on Thursday that the process has begun to install a canopy over the East Gallery.
At a press conference, he said the canopy will cover nearly 27,000 square feet. The design will be similar to the old Dhaka Stadium. It is one of the first big projects taken by the new BCB ad hoc committee after the Aminul Islam Bulbul-led board was dissolved.
He also shared plans to bring solar power to the stadium. A solar system on the roof is now at an early stage. The plan is part of the board’s effort to improve the country’s main cricket venue with modern facilities.
The board is also preparing to launch a new domestic tournament based on county cricket. Under this system, every team will have two separate XIs.
Only second XI teams will play the three day matches in this tournament. The idea is to build a better pathway for young cricketers and increase match experience for more players.
Tamim also confirmed a major change in first class cricket. From this season, Bangladesh will start home and away matches at venues that are fit to host first class games.
This will allow more grounds across the country to stage matches instead of keeping games only at a few central venues.
Thursday’s announcement showed that the new board wants to improve stadium facilities and reshape domestic cricket with long term plans for growth.
